Jan. 02, 2009

Controlling Mosquitoes With Bacteria

Mosquitoes are known for spreading infections like malaria, dengue, and yellow fever. Now, however, a team of researchers reports using a bacterial infection to help control mosquito populations. The scientists infected the mosquitoes associated with dengue fever with a bacterial parasite, Wolbachia. They report this week in the journal Science that the bacterial infection cut the lifespan of the mosquitoes in half -- a finding that may help control the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses.

Produced by Flora Lichtman, Correspondent and Managing Editor, Video

Guests

Andrew ReadProfessor of Biology and Entomology, Eberly College of Science Distinguished Senior ScholarPennsylvania State University